Outstanding Achievements Award

We hope that you enjoy watching the LIVE video footage of Gerry's arrival at Troon Marina on Wednesday 8th May 2013. This video was broadcast LIVE to the world via Google+ Hangouts on Air and was watched by more than 10,000 people. Please note that the video quality is affected by the weak signal strength available at Troon.Key moments:Gerry and Quest lll arrive at Troon 1:19:40Gerry’s speech 1:47:30

Quest III Sets Sail- Saturday 1st September 2012

In a bid to become the first deaf man to sail single handed non stop around the world, Gerry set sail from Troon Marina at 12.00pm on Saturday 1st September 2012.

This undertaking, being a landmark in the achievements of this incredible adventurer will also serve as beacon to the Deaf community and any of the many individuals who look to Gerry as a role model. Crowds gathered to witness this momentous and historic occasion. Helen Moonie, Provost of South Ayrshire was there in person to give her personal greetings and stepped on board the yacht to wish Gerry well and is looking forward to welcoming him back to Troon shores. Both Gerry and Quest III were blessed by Reverend Richard Durno and there were emotional scenes as Gerry bade farewell to close friends and family before waving up to the onlookers as he prepared to set sail.

Scottish production companies AC2.com Productions Ltd and Incorporated Media have joined forces to document this historic attempt and with footage shot by Gerry himself will create an intimate, emotional and inspiring record of his incredible journey. SWNS was also there to capture the story in pictures for the National Press. You can follow Gerry's progress on the site via updates from Gerry as and when they are received. Please also see http://www.facebook.com/GerryHughesQuestlll for further coverage.

We all wish Gerry the very best of luck and look forward to his safe return!

SCOTTISH YACHTSMAN AIMS TO BE FIRST DEAF PERSON TO SAIL SINGLE-HANDED AROUND THE WORLD

A Scottish teacher who was born profoundly deaf is aiming to be the first deaf person to sail single-handed, around the world past all five capes – a journey made famous by the likes of Sir Francis Chichester and the legendary Sir Robin Knox Johnston.

Gerry Hughes from Glasgow will set sail next Saturday (1 September) from Troon Marina at 12noon, leaving behind his wife and two daughters as he embarks on the ultimate sailing challenge which only around 300 people have completed (compared to over 1500 who have made it to the top of Mount Everest).

The challenge is expected to last at least five months and, depending on the weather, could last more than seven months.

Gerry, who teaches deaf pupils at St Roch’s Secondary School in Glasgow, was the world’s first deaf yachtsman to sail across the Atlantic Ocean in the original single-handed Transatlantic Race in 2005.

Speaking about his impending trip, Gerry said, “This challenge has been a life-long ambition of mine and I can’t believe I’m about to set sail.

“I am about to embark on one of the hardest challenges known to man but I am confident I can do it as sailing is in my blood and I have a great boat.

“Sailing has been my passion from when I was very young. I really struggled as a youngster because of my deafness but sailing provided me with an escape and I instantly feel at peace on a boat.

“My first language is British Sign Language and I struggled to read and write until I was nearly 15 but I am a very driven person and wanted to be a teacher so I worked hard and fought the authorities and in 1995 became the first deaf teacher in Scotland since 1880.

“I’m embarking on this challenge to raise awareness of the deaf community and to inspire young deaf people that they too can achieve their dreams.

“It will be hard being away from my wife and daughters for so long, especially at Christmas but I know they support me 100 per cent which means a lot.

“I want to thank Troon Yacht Haven and all my other supporters and donors who have been instrumental in getting me to this point. ”